By Grace Zokovitch
Boston Herald
GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Gloucester Fire and Police rescued five people trapped in a burning building late Saturday night, with three taken to the hospital, the departments said Sunday morning.
“Due to the incredible work of our first responders, we made numerous rescues,” said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith. “If not for their efforts, the outcome would have been a tragic loss of lives.”
Firefighters and police were dispatched on reports of a structure fire at ma ulti-family home at 3 Pirmi Lane at about 10:22 p.m., Gloucester Fire stated.
At the scene, the crews found “heavy fire coming from the second floor,” the department said and struck a second alarm to bring more resources.
The responders put up ground ladders, entering and conducting five rescue evacuations from the flaming building.
Two residents were taken to Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital following the rescue, Gloucester Fire reported. A third took themself to a hospital for evaluation.
Three Gloucester cops were also transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation sustained during the rescue efforts, the departments said.
In the early hours of Sunday, the “bulk of the fire” was extinguished, while crews worked to overhaul the scene and put out any remaining hot spots.
“Unfortunately, we have many displaced families as the entire building had to be shut down, and it will be some time before these residents will be able to get back into their homes,” Smith said.
Four neighboring towns fire departments, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, and Ipswich, assisted at the scene, while Danvers, Beverly, and Hamilton departments for provided station coverage during the incident.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation, Gloucester Fire said, and state police with the State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to the scene.
“I am proud of the heroic efforts of our officers and all first responders involved,” said Police Chief Edward Conley . “We are hopeful for the swift recovery of everyone affected by this incident.”
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